The 6 finalist have been picked for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical talent show, Superstar.

After months of speculation which included the possibility of a female taking part in the new talent show about to hit our screens, the finalists, including a cruise ship entertainer, a former indie band member and a failed contestant from another talent show, have been chosen by the legendary iconic musical creator, Andrew Lloyd Webber, all hoping that they will win the job of Jesus on the stage.

Lloyd Webber has come out and said that he wasn’t looking to cast anyone traditional as the iconic religious figure, something his selection certainly confirms. Speaking to  the Daily Mail newspaper when unveiling the candidates, the composer commented:‘There’s no one person who you’d say, “Ah, that looks like Jesus”.

The famous show, which tells the story of Jesus final week before his crucifixion, originally opened on Broadway in 1971 before coming to London a year later.  By the 80′s it had become the longest-running musical in West End theatre history.  In this new and bold move, Lloyd Webber has chosen these six from thousands of hopefuls, which has been documented for TV to be shown in the build up to the contest.

Many people were quick to criticise the decision to make the show, which controversially is not being produced by the BBC unlike his other talent projects, and even Tim Rice, who co-wrote the musical with Andrew, has already come out and questioned whether it needed the ‘tasteless reality TV treatment’.

However, Superstar, commissioned by ITV, is set to become the channels summer schedule centrepiece, where the audience will be able to choose their favorite Jesus by voting to crown the winner in a similar show format as the X Factor during each weeks live show, which will be hosted by Britain’s Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden.

Dawn French and Jason Donovan will join Andrew on the judging panel, while Ex-Spice Girl Melanie C, who will play Mary Magdalene in the touring production, will act as a mentor to the contestants.

So without further-ado, we present you with the finalists.

Seamus Cullen

This is not the first attempt at reality stardom for 40-year Seamus, from Chichester, West Sussex, as he finished 9th on Lloyd Webber’s 2007 talent show, Any Dream Will Do.  Despite the experience earning him a role as Che in a production of Evita, Cullen says that the stigma attached to talent shows comes at a price: ‘There’s a stigma within the industry if you come from a talent show,’ he says. ‘I was hoping something would come of it but nothing did. I went back to a job doing ad sales.’

For some time Seamus considered quitting singing altogether, but after starting to teach it, his dream returned. ‘I decided performance is in my heart and soul,’ he says. ‘When I saw Andrew again at the audition he said, “We’ve been here before, haven’t we?”’

Jeff Anderson

Anderson is probably the most qualified for the role, having already played the part of jesus in an amateur production of the musical staged in Belfast, for which the 21-year old received a singing award.  However, he too is aware of the issues that may lie ahead in competing for the role:. ‘There were Christian groups protesting outside the shows. They didn’t approve of it. They thought it made light of Jesus. It was full-on,’ he recalls.

Jeff’s acting ambition began as a teenager: ‘On the surface I was a beastly rugby player at school, but at home I used to dance around the kitchen.’

Jeff, who is studying vocal production at university, has the right looks for a stereotypical Jesus, with long dark hair and bushy beard, both of which he grew for his role as an extra on Sky Atlantic drama Game Of Thrones. ‘On nights out people will yell, “Hey, there’s Jesus.” But more think I look like Russell Brand!’

Jeff is part of a rock band, Wanted Alive, another desirable quality as Lloyd Webber has previously stated that he wanted the lead to be a rock singer, but Jeff insists he would not leave the band should he win the part: ‘No, they’re my best friends. They’ll wait for me if I get the part, and I’m committed to them.’

Roger Wright

Roger Wright is also qualified in the musical industry, having played  Simba in the West End production of The Lion King for three years.

However, the 41-year-old, from London,  has Caribbean-born parents,but doesn’t think this will be an issue: ‘It would be a big thing to have a black Jesus.  But there’s no reason why not, if the public are open-minded. Andrew’s been very encouraging.’

Roger spent a decade as a fashion model before becoming a musical performer. His agent was a pre-fame Davina McCall. ‘She was such a pro and got me a lot of work. I’ll invite her to the shows if I get through,’ he commented.

Simon Gordon

Simon, who has been trying to break into the West End for some time, has commented that entering the competition has been a difficult decision.  The 21-year-old law student said: . ‘If I win, my studies will be put to one side because I want a career in music. But my dad, who’s a businessman, thinks it’s a distraction.  He wants to make sure I have a bit of security.’

Simon, a  part-time wedding singer, has performed in musical theatre since he was five so knows this is a big opportunity that also carries risks. ‘If you do something wrong it could have a big effect on the rest of your career – and mine hasn’t even started yet!’

David Hunter

David is used to the stage, having performed to thousands in his early 20′s as part of an indie group called Reemer, who toured with boy band McFly.

However the band split before they made the big time forcing David to relocate to London and try to get into theatre instead.  Now a fully trained actor, David’s biggest break to date came as  understudy for The Office star Oliver Chris in the National Theatre production of One Man, Two Guvnors.

Of the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar, David says, ‘It’s my dream role. When I found out I was auditioning I went home, locked myself in a room and made sure I could make all the high notes. I was so relieved when I could. It’s the most vocally demanding part.’

Adam Weldon

Adam’s s parents, Michel Henri and Carol Anne, are ex-world pair ice-skating champions who performed in America for much of his childhood. However, despite sharing a passion for the sport, Adams ambitions to follow in their footsteps were destroyed by a car crash when he was eight:. ‘I was in plaster up to my thigh for nine months,’ Adam says, ‘so I decided to learn the guitar.’

He took a job performing as a cruise ship entertainer, which he did for nearly 20 years until a large lump disocvered by doctors on his vocal cords lost him the ability to sing: ‘I knew it could be cancerous,’ he says. ‘When the doctors decided they had to operate, I was told I might lose my voice for good.’

However, despite these fears, 18 months later Adama performed for the first time since the operation to Lloyd Webber, auditioning for Superstar:‘It was life-changing,’ he admits. ‘Andrew has been very nurturing with me.’

Andrew Lloyd Webber will be joined by Jason Donovan and Dawn French on the panel of judges to help him in his search. But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide who will be his Superstar.

If you would like to be in the audience for the live shows, you can book your reserved tickets by clicking here and using the following code: SUPER12

WHEN:
MONDAY 16th July @ 8:00pm
TUESDAY 17th July @ 8:00pm
WEDNESDAY 18th July @ 8:00pm
THURSDAY 19th July @ 8:00pm
FRIDAY 20th July @ 8:00pm

FRIDAY 13th July @ 8:00pm - FULLY BOOKED
(More dates soon)

All shows are recorded LIVE and will last until approximately 10:30pm. Please only apply for one recording at a time – multiple applications will be rejected. Minimum age: 16 years old.

Dress code: These are exciting live shows – dress to impress with smart evening wear!